Measles global deaths decline by 78%, WHO estimates

February 7, 2014

(BBC) – Global deaths from measles dropped 78% between 2000 and 2012, the World Health Organization estimates. New figures from the WHO suggest that around 13.8 million deaths were prevented during this time and reported cases declined by 77%. Good routine immunisation levels and campaigns to vaccinate children are thought to be behind the figures. But the WHO says measles is still a global threat and some populations remain unprotected.